Green Party has candidate for 18th Congressional District seat

Admittedly running against "great odds," Green Party candidate Sheldon Schafer announced he is entering the increasingly crowded race to replace U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood.

Karen McDonald

Admittedly running against "great odds," Green Party candidate Sheldon Schafer announced he is entering the increasingly crowded race to replace U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood.

Schafer, 59, of Peoria hopes to offer a different choice at the ballot box in November and advance the beliefs of the Green Party, which was established in 2006 in Illinois. Primary party principles are environmentalism, social justice and peace.

"We see especially at the state and local level that we have a real future. It’s a journey and this seemed like an opportune race to do it because there’s no incumbent running," Schafer, a political novice, said Tuesday, adding his background in education and science will provide a good framework for issues.

Schafer is vice president of education at Lakeview Museum, where he worked since 1976, and teaches an astronomy course at Bradley University. Without strong fundraising abilities or financial resources, he plans to use the Internet and other free mediums to relay his campaign messages.

He officially filed his candidacy Thursday with the Illinois State Board of Elections and will battle Republican Aaron Schock and Democrat Colleen Callahan in the general election. With no incumbent running for re-election in the 18th Congressional District, Schafer said the Green Party believes now is a good time to run for the office.

"We know these are great odds. On the other hand, occasionally the dark horse comes in a win," Schafer said. "Our goal is to place respectively and get the word out. I believe in what we’re doing."

Schafer said he worked in the volunteer, not-for-profit realm his entire life, including spending time in Haiti and serving in the Peace Corps. Though he will not be a full-time candidate, Schafer said he will participate in any candidate forums or debates that do not conflict with work.

Schafer is one of many new Green Party candidates who will be announced at the party’s membership meeting and state convention Saturday at Bradley University. He will kick off his campaign at 7 p.m. Friday at the Rhythm Kitchen.

"Voters in the 18th Congressional District will be offered a candidate who is serious, articulate and able to show voters a practical alternative choice to the Republican and Democratic Party candidates," Dave Pittman, Chair of the Peoria Area Greens said in a news release.

Schafer also volunteered on Rich Whitney’s gubernatorial race in 2006 where he received more than 361,000 votes, or 10 percent of the total votes in the race and enough to make the Green Party established in the state.

Karen McDonald can be reached at (309) 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.